America the beautiful consists of diverse land, people, and policies. Everything from mountains, badlands, corn fields, rivers, and deserts fills the land from sea to shining sea. Different pockets of the nation adhere to different cultures, and state governments have unique policies regarding business.

Because of this diversity, certain states can be more business-friendly than others. Many factors play into a states level of business friendliness, including high school graduation rates, unemployment levels, level of union influence, and workers’ rights. Here are three other major factors, and the states that do them best:

Tax Rates. States with the lowest tax rates are among the best for businesses because more money is freed to be put back into company budgets. According to the 2014 State Business Tax Climate Index, the top five states with best tax standing are:

1. Wyoming: No corporate or individual income tax.
2. Nevada: No corporate or individual income tax.
3. South Dakota: No corporate or individual income tax.
4. Alaska: No individual income or state level sales tax.
5. Florida: No sales tax.

Others in the top ten include Washington, Utah, Montana, New Hampshire, and Indiana.

Quality of Life. Studies have proven that a low quality of life affects the economy, business success rates, education, and much more. A Gallup poll that interviewed more than 176,000 people from all 50 states last year measured the overall well-being of each state and found that these were the best:

1. North Dakota: Ranked 1st for work environment and physical health.
2. South Dakota: Ranked 2nd for work environment and 3rd of emotional health.
3. Nebraska: Ranked 1st for life evaluation and 3rd for physical health.
4. Minnesota: Ranked 2nd for physical health and access to basic necessities.
5. Montana: Ranked 2nd for life evaluation and 3rd for healthy behaviors.Others in the top ten include, Vermont, Colorado, Hawaii, Washington, and Iowa.

Opportunity for Business Growth. When starting a new company, it is crucial to plan for the future. Strategizing the best places for growth will enable your company to have the opportunity to reach high potential expansion. According to Pew Charitable Trusts states with the greatest potential for business growth in 2014 include:

1. North Dakota: 3.57%
2. Arizona: 3.08%
3. Texas: 2.75%
4. Colorado: 2.67%
5. Florida: 2.34%

Others in the top ten include, Georgia, Utah, Idaho, South Caroline, and Oregon.

Selecting the best state for your business will require studying the myriad of factors that play into success. Chasing the American dream to own your own start-up may require choosing a lesser of two state evils; more taxes or better quality of life. However, conducting research before landing on a place to start a business is always a good idea.